Tesla Model S
It's from 2012, when you were 6.
- Iconic generation
- Model S (2012 debut)
- Origin
- Fremont, California
- Powertrain
- Rear-motor electric (85 kWh range-topper)
- Power
- 362 hp (85), up to 416 hp (Performance)
- 0–60 mph
- ~4.4 sec (85 Performance)
- EPA range
- Up to 265 mi (85 kWh)
- Price when new
- $57,400–$92,400 (2012)
- Honors
- 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year
About
As of 2026, it's 14 years old.
Before the Model S, electric cars were small, slow, and faintly apologetic, the automotive equivalent of eating your vegetables. Tesla's answer in 2012 was a sleek luxury sedan that happened to embarrass sports cars at the traffic light, and suddenly 'electric' meant 'desirable' instead of 'sacrifice.'
It was the car that made the rest of the industry panic. A 17-inch touchscreen dominated the dash, software updates arrived overnight like a phone, and the whole thing could out-accelerate cars costing twice as much. Later 'Ludicrous' and 'Plaid' versions turned a five-seat sedan into one of the quickest production cars ever made, full stop.
It won Motor Trend Car of the Year, racked up awards, and singlehandedly dragged the EV from science project to status symbol. Every electric car that followed, from luxury brands to legacy giants, was chasing the bar the Model S set.
Quirks and all, it changed everything. The Model S is the rare car whose biggest impact wasn't on the road but on every boardroom that suddenly had to take electric seriously.
Tesla Model S through the years
Model S launches
Tesla's first ground-up sedan delivers, and the EV stops being a compromise.
Car of the Year
Motor Trend hands it the trophy, a first for an electric car.
Dual-motor AWD
The D variants add all-wheel drive and Autopilot hardware.
Ludicrous mode
The P90D drops 0–60 near 2.8 seconds, humbling supercars.
Plaid arrives
Tri-motor Plaid runs sub-2-second 0–60 sprints, redefining 'family sedan.'
